Even during off-season, Eagle County's nightlife lives on

OffSeasonNightlife1-VDN-0426-13
Dominique Taylor | dtaylor@vaildaily.com
Jamison Shy, left, kicks starts Karaoke with his song as karaoke DJ Andre Shy, right, keeps the music playing at the weekly Shy Guy Karaoke night Tuesday at Montana's in Avon. The weekly sing-a-long event is one of several of the Valley's night-time entertainment options continuing through the off-season.

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There are many things to like about the spring off-season: having to work less, fewer crowds, and a nice boost in your bank account from your recent tax return. There are also things to dislike about the spring off-season: not having enough work, fewer opportunities to socialize, and a dip in your bank account due to decreased income. Unfortunately the lack of funds conundrum isn't something we have the answer to, but we can help you with your social life. Although many bars and restaurants are closed until Memorial Day weekend, some are keeping the the lights on and the party rockin'. Here's a look at the venues and performers still offering evening entertainment now and throughout the month of May:VailThe Vail Ale House continues its popular crowd-pleaser Prohibition Night every Wednesday starting at 10 p.m. PBR tallboys are only $3, but with more than 20 craft beers on tap, you might want to try something a bit more refined instead. Vail Ale House will also showcase local and Colorado bands on either Friday or Saturday nights throughout May. Visit www.vailalehouse.com later in the month for a complete lineup.AvonAgave closes for part of May but not before holding its annual Cinco de Mayo weekend. The party starts May 3 (it's a Friday) with Rocky Mountain Grateful Dead Review, featuring Rob Eaton from Dark Star Orchestra. On Sunday, two bands will play: Skin the Rabbit starts at 3 p.m. and MTHDS begins at 9 p.m. There will also be food and drink specials on both days. For more information call 970-748-8666.Maybe it's due to drinking all that java, but Loaded Joe's doesn't cut back on its nightlife just because the ski slopes are shut down. They've still got open mic night on Sunday, Trivia on Tuesday, Karaoke on Friday, as well as drink specials and music offerings other nights of the week. If you're new to the area and haven't braved the karaoke stage yet, off-season is the perfect time to do it. Longtime karaoke show runner David Sandman, better known as "Sandman," said when he first moved to town he met many of his friends by attending local karaoke nights. "(It's) the best value in free entertainment," Sandman said. "You get to know the locals, there's always drink specials, and you always end up having a good time. If you love music, you never know what you're going to hear."For information on Loaded Joe's, visit www.loadedjoes.com. For more of Sandman's regular karaoke venues for the upcoming summer visit www.karaokewithsandman.com.Montana's Cantina & Grill is keeping its off-season nightlife "caliente" with entertainment offerings every night of the week. Monday is Texas Hold 'Em poker starting at 7 p.m., Tuesday is ShyGuy Karaoke and Trivia starting at 9 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday offer a different DJ, who starts spinning at 9 p.m., and Sunday spices things up with "Miami Nights," a Latin-themed evening of music and dancing. Montana's has also already fired up its Friday Afternoon Casual (FAC to the locals), complete with a free keg of craft beer out on the deck starting at 5 p.m."Our (FAC) gives you the chance to taste a different craft beer every Friday," said Thomas Beaver, owner of Montana's. "We've also got the prettiest deck in Avon with a gorgeous view."For a look at Montana's menu and special events visit www.montanasavon.com.Edwards Old Forge Pizza spells its after-dark event B-I-N-G-O, hosting the game every Tuesday night beginning May 7. Kid's bingo is from 6 to 7 p.m. and adult bingo is from 7 to 9 p.m. There's no cost to enter and prizes include Colorado Mountain Brewery gift certificates and free pizza, of course. Sarah Millet, co-owner of Old Forge, said bingo night has become quite popular with families."(The game) is easy for little kids; there's no strategy," Millet said. "It's also a time when parents can have a glass of wine and socialize."For more information on bingo night call 970-926-2220.Eagle If your idea of a fun night involves wearing slippery shoes, take a drive down to Eagle for bowling and more at the Back Bowl. In addition to the musical clink and clamour of falling pins, the venue also offers karaoke on Friday nights and a comedy variety show on Saturday nights, both starting at 8:30 p.m. Andre Shy, or the "Shyguy," loves putting on a show for locals and making people laugh."It's an opportunity to serve," Shy said. "I feel like I'm actually giving back to the (place) where I live."For more Shyguy entertainment happenings visit his Facebook page. For information on The Back Bowl call 970-337-2694. Due to May's erratic weather, it's easy to choose the couch over an evening of going out. Sure the couch is soft and comfortable, but it's not a very good conversationalist. In a world where we spend more time with our computers than our neighbors, sometimes real socializing can take a backseat, or back cushion, to our comfy couches. Instead of the period between ski weather and golf weather, maybe off-season should mean that time of year when we get off the couch, off our computers, and on to something a little more lively. And if lively means embarrassing yourself by singing karaoke, at least the only people watching will be people you know. After you've finished annihilating the latest pop song, they'll probably still like you anyway.